Applied Research & Internship Project
Full course description
In this project students will apply their academic knowledge and skills to a case presented by an external client (e.g. a company, a NGO or a governmental organization). The student produces an academically-grounded, but practically useful work-product that satisfies the needs of the client and UCM’s academic requirements. The nature of the work-product differs depending on the discipline, client and case.
The research in this module is practice-based and catered to the needs of an external client. At the same time, the work for the client is research-oriented. The core of the project is the research the student conducts based on the case the client presents. In order for the student to gain knowledge about the client’s professional environment, the context of the case and stakeholders involved, students are encouraged to visit the client’s workplace and/or participate in client meetings regularly throughout the semester.
Similar to MaRBLe and The Documentary, the ARI project takes a full semester and replaces two skills courses and one project. During regular course periods students have one day per week available for ARI. During project period, they work on their ARI full time. The precise set-up of the project and the tasks per period depend on the individual assignment the student gets. At the end of the semester, the student presents their work to both the client and the academic supervisor.
No general literature is assigned. Students need to select literature and conduct research that applies to their case.
Course objectives
- To enhance the learning experience of students by providing an opportunity to apply academic knowledge and skills acquired at UCM to a real-life case from a client that is active in the work-field of the student’s interest.
- To prepare students for applied problem solving and applied research outside academia.
- To provide students with an opportunity to gain insights in a professional context in their field of interest.
- To reinforce the awareness of how academic work relates to society and how academic knowledge and skills can be used to address practical, societal issues.
Prerequisites
This project asks for highly motivated students, who are willing and able to work hard, and represent UCM at an external client.
Students who are interested in participating are invited to consult the list of clients on the UCM Intranet (see: https://intranet.maastrichtuniversity.nl/en/ucm-students/courses/research-based-learning-courses/applied-research-and-internship-project-ari). The list will be published at the start of course registration period. Specific prerequisites in terms of courses and skills apply for each case.
If you would like to join the ARI project you need to apply for it by filling in the application form on the Intranet page (see above link). Part of this form asks you to elaborate on your motivation to follow the project. This should cover an explanation as to how participating in the project adds to your curriculum, why you think you are well prepared to follow the project and an overview of the relevant courses you took. You also need to submit a CV and you might be invited for a personal interview with the client and the academic supervisor. The application needs to be submitted in advance of the course registration deadline. If eligible, you can be invited for an interview.
This is a selective project. Therefore, the course coordinators reserve the right to only select the students that are deemed most suitable. It will be communicated in a timely manner, but no later than 6 weeks before the start of the project, whether the application for the project was successful. If access to the project is denied, then you will be allocated to backup modules. Please indicate the backup modules on your course registration form.